Created for Community: 7 Lessons for Difficult Times

Lessons from Geese...One of the things that makes me happy this time of year, is when I hear the geese flying back for the warmer season. It’s a sign of better weather coming, and really makes me smile, lifting my spirits in expectation of warmer summer days.

We have a lot to learn from geese. They are social creatures and look after each other through many a difficulty...

1. Learning to Uplift Each OtherAs each goose flaps its wings it creates an “uplift” for the birds that follow, so by flying together in that classic “V” formation, the whole flock adds around a 71% greater range than if each bird flew alone. This is how geese manage to fly such great distances across the world.

So, if we share a common sense of direction and are part of a community with others, this means our individual efforts can work together to reach shared goals quicker and easier. In traveling together, we can uplift one another too, sharing the strain of the journey.

I wonder in these strange times, how we can each uplift one another?

2. Learning to See and be SeenIn flying in a “V” formation, every goose is visible, and can clearly see the way ahead. The leader can still see those at the fringes of the flock, fanned out behind them. Those at the end of the formation can still follow the leader. Every goose matters, creating greater visibility as a collective.

If we stay together as a group, then we become more visible. We are seen better and able to see better.

I wonder, if we are feeling particularly alone in these unprecedented times, is there a group that we can create or join or draw close to (even if not physically)- perhaps online, or via phone, so that we can both be seen, and notice others better?

3. Learning to Give & Receive SupportWhen a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

If we can stay in formation with those headed where we want to go, our journey is likely to be easier. Being on our own for too long, with no support from others restricts our ability to fly.

I wonder, in this global crisis, how we can support those who are feeling the weight of “flying alone”, and when they are ready, welcome them back into our midst. I wonder, how we each might learn to lean into the support from our Heavenly Father?

4. Learning to Share the BurdensWhen the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the front position. Each goose that is able, shares the responsibility of leadership.

None of us can remain at the front of the helm all the time. It is helpful to take turns doing the hard tasks and to share the lead. In this way we don’t end up burnt out, and unable to reach where we want to be.

I wonder, right now, how we can each support our governments, as well as those in the emergency, healthcare and social care systems who are having to spend longer than usual at the frontline of this global pandemic?

5. Learning to EncourageThe geese flying in formation communicate by honking, to encourage each other to keep up their speed.

We need to make sure we too, encourage each other through our conversations and actions, for where there is greater encouragement, the more likely it is that people thrive.

I wonder how we can specifically encourage each other to carry on, in these uncertain days? Perhaps some could write texts, emails or letters of support? Or phone family, friends or vulnerable local neighbours in isolation, or something else?

6. Learning to SupportWhen a goose gets sick or wounded, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. There they stay until it dies or can fly again. Then they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.

Surely, this teaches us all to stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.

I wonder if we are prepared to go out of our way to support and stand with those who are sick or struggling, in practical ways? What might that mean, specifically..?

7. Learning about what makes us humanTwice a year, many geese migrate, making the same journey across the globe to where they need to be to survive the change of seasons, supporting each other to travel distances beyond our comprehension. Each flock travels the same journey, even when the original birds have been replaced by their offspring. The journey route is innate, a deep purpose written within each birds’ DNA.

Perhaps we can each consider what our core purpose is, that which is inherent in the depth of our being? What is it, that we cannot, not do…?

I wonder, in such a time as this, if we can each look inside ourselves and question what is written there, that amidst such uncertainty, is simply natural to our humanity, that we cannot ignore. I hope that some of those things we find might be love, care, compassion, kindness, gentleness patience, self-control…because we are made in the image of our Creator, to travel together in community.

Prayer: Lord, in these unprecedented and uncertain times, we thank you that you care for each one of us, both in sickness and in health. May we trust in the certainty of your provision for us and learn to unselfishly care for others in the same way. Amen